Ernest Ellis Mathis (Ernie) passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024. He was born on January 11, 1938, in Boulder, Colorado, to the late Eugene Mathis and Aileen Salisbury Mathis. He was devoted to his family and friends, and his kind nature touched the lives of many throughout the years.
As the son of a telephone lineman, Ernie moved frequently and called towns from the low plains to the high mountains of Colorado his home. A talented high school athlete, he earned the nickname “banjo-ribs” due to his slender frame, despite his ability to eat a large pizza all on his own. He cherished his time working as a USGS surveyor with his uncle. It was an idyllic job for a teenager that involved riding horses and hiking in the beautiful mountains of Montana during summer break. His love for sports continued throughout his life and he played golf regularly with a group of friends In Westminster, Colorado for many years.
Ernie served in Air Force intelligence in Germany for four years during the Cold War. He was very proud of his military service. After returning to Boulder, he attended the University of Colorado. In February 1968, he married the enduring love of his life, Charlene Busse, and they completed their family with two daughters. For both his children and grandchildren, he was a loving and supportive role model, and a champion of their ambitions.
Ernie’s career was centered in sales, primarily in the grocery industry. His favorite job was working for William Sonoma after he retired, where his ability to sell high-end cappuccino machines earned him an invitation to be regional representative at the company’s annual corporate meeting.
Church was a significant part of Ernie’s life. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Arvada, Colorado, for over 25 years, and became a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in 2020 after moving to Fort Mill, South Carolina. He was proud to serve as an Elder in both congregations. Along with his wife, he belonged to the 55+ group at Peace Lutheran Church and made many new friends while enjoying social activities including dinners, musical outings, and even a behind-the scenes tour of the Bronco stadium, home to his favorite football team.
Ernie had a compassionate heart. Whether it was blowing snow off the sidewalks and driveways of his Colorado neighbors, working to maintain the church grounds, or helping with charitable projects, he was always thinking of others. He greatly valued time spent with his family, especially during the holidays. Christmas Eve was a particular favorite, and his family will always cherish the memories of those special times, which included church services, lasagna, and good red wine.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Charlene; two daughters and sons-in-law, Michele Surey Templeton and Davis Templeton, Lara Mathis and Paul Kurtz; one brother, Paul Mathis, one sister, Joyce Elliott; grandchildren, Matthew Surey (Wendy), Sarah Mills-Biroschik (Thomas), Sarah Templeton (Bradley), Liz Haynor (Matt); great grandchildren, Dylan Lu Templeton and Isla Haynor; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Gregory Ernest Mills.
The family is holding a memorial service to celebrate Ernie’s life on November 16th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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